tacoma neighborhoods (Lakewood, University Place, Gig Harbor: apartment, for rent, condos)

[maka36]

My husband and I are considerng Tacoma for a possible move from the Midwest next year (he has an upcoming job interview). We have two children - infant and toddler - and we plan to rent, as we may not live there for more than a year.

We will be visiting Tacoma this weekend. Any advice on safe neighborhoods to consider that wouldn't require a long commute to downtown?

We are looking to rent a home or townhome (or spacious apartment) in a pretty safe area that holds parks and/or open spaces for walking, running or hiking.

Thanks a lot for your tips!

P.S. I did see the map in an earlier post by magrack and found it helpful, but I still would appreciate any extra advice.

[back2sa]

If you specifically want Tacoma then you will want to look in the North End of Tacoma. Since you have little ones you won't need to worry about schools right now. It is more pricey but very nice.

[PG77]

I agree, North Tacoma is best. I live in Old Town, it is very nice. Ruston area is nice. University Place, Fircrest. Lots of houses, nice houses for rent where I live.

[mthomson]

All great suggestions. The only other place I could think would be the revamped downtown area where there are some great new condos. I'm not sure it'd be great for the kids though. N Tacoma, Fircrest, and University Place would definately give you more of a neighborhood feel.

[maka36]

Thanks very much! We will check these areas out.

[ness]

Other Tacoma areas you may want to check out are Steilacoom and Titlow Beach. Both have a nice neighborhood feel.

[back2sa]

Yes, Steilacoom is nice but it's also about 30 minutes from downtown Tacoma. It's not far in miles but with going through the neighborhoods, lights, etc...it would take about 30 minutes (give or take a few minutes depending on traffic).

[tudorjason]

You might want to check out Gig Harbor or Lakewood.

[azcallin]

NE Tacoma is a nice / safer area. Other than that, I would never move to Tacoma (and I was born there) LOL I do not even like to drive there anymore.

Stay away from hillside area - lettered streets - Portland Ave areas esp. Other areas I am not too familiar with but know of no where I would want to call home there EXCEPT NE Tacoma where I lived and loved it - except for the Tacoma schools my kids had to go to - but you would not have to worry about that with small kids.

[cvanripe10]

People always make Tacoma sound like a war zone. Is it really that much of a ghetto dump??

I'm from New Jersey and someone told me that the bad areas in the northwest are a joke compared to the ones back east.